Background

The Northeast Conference (NEC) is a collegiate athletic conference whose schools are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Participating schools are located principally in the Northeastern part of the U.S. and include Bryant University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Liu Brooklyn, Mount St. Mary’s University, Robert Morris University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Francis University, St. Francis College and Wagner College.

Challenge

Conference leadership wanted an impartial assessment of what was working – and where improvement was needed in order to improve strategic planning, drive revenues, and enhance the overall attractiveness of the league and its schools to recruits and coaches.

As often is the case, league leaders had a perspective on how to do this. But they wanted confirmation that their instincts were correct or that they weren’t so close to things they were overlooking the obvious. Conference leadership wanted an impartial assessment of what was working – and where improvement was needed in order to improve strategic planning, drive revenues, and enhance the overall attractiveness of the league and its schools to recruits and coaches.

Outcome

Snodgrass Partners’ consultant team — led by Tom O’Connor and Lee Dicklitch — partnered with NEC leadership to conduct a detailed 360-degree assessment of the men’s and women’s basketball programs at the conference and campus levels. These two athletic administration veterans offered both an impartial opinion and applicable experience.

This process has helped our league continue to identify, refine and prioritize our strategic initiatives. They were vital in reviewing our current operations and independently assessing recommendations to continue to develop our basketball-focused priorities to advance our goals for future growth.”

– NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris

The results of the 360 audit provided the foundational support the league needed to embrace basketball as a priority league-wide.